Bean – Blue Lake Bush 274

Description

50 Seeds per pack

Blue Lake Bush 274 Bean (A.K.A. Blue Lake 274 Snap Bean, Bunch Bean)

Days to Maturity: 54-61 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun to very light shade.

Botanical Name: (Phaseolus vulgaris) 

Please note: Blue Lake Bush Bean is currently experiencing a problem where some beans may be vining, rather than bush. Be prepared if you purchase.

Best Seller!

Bred by the Asgrow Seed Company and introduced in 1964, Blue Lake Bush 274 is an excellent heirloom snap bean loved by both home gardeners and commercial growers. Compact plants reach 12–22 inches tall and produce slender, stringless pods measuring 5 ½–6 ½ inches long. With a firm texture and rich, traditional green bean flavor, these beans are great for fresh eating, canning, or freezing.

This variety produces heavy yields all at once, making it ideal for preserving or batch harvesting. For a continuous supply, sow in succession every two to three weeks. Due to its strong, consistent performance, Blue Lake Bush 274 is also available in bulk quantities for market farmers and large-scale plantings.

It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and full sun, adapting well to different climates. A fantastic option for beginners, this variety is forgiving, low-maintenance, and highly productive, making it a great introduction to growing beans!

Nutrient-packed and incredibly versatile, these beans are high in vitamins A, B, and C. Enjoy them steamed, fried, or added to curries, soups, stews, and casseroles. A fantastic addition to any garden, Blue Lake Bush 274 delivers exceptional flavor, top-tier quality, and outstanding yields!

Disease Resistance: Resists Common Bean Mosaic Virus (BCMV) and is tolerant to New York 15 (NY15), ensuring strong plants and productive harvests.

Planting Instructions for Blue Lake Bush 274 Bean Seeds

Introduction. Snap beans are some of the easiest things to grow, and Blue Lake Bush 274 is one of the best. Bred by the Asgrow Seed Company and introduced in 1964, this heirloom variety is still a favorite of home gardeners and market growers alike! Compact plants reach twelve to twenty-two inches tall and produce heavy yields of slender, stringless pods five and a half to six and a half inches long. With rich, classic flavor and dependable performance, it has earned its place as a best seller.

When to Plant. Sow directly outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed, once the soil is thoroughly warmed to at least sixty degrees Fahrenheit. In most regions, this is one to two weeks after the average last frost. Blue Lake 274 bush beans produce a heavy, concentrated crop over a few weeks, rather than bearing continuously like pole beans. This makes them especially well-suited for bulk harvesting and preserving by canning or freezing. For a steady supply of fresh beans, continue sowing new rows every two to three weeks through midsummer.

Where to Plant. Blue Lake Bush 274 grows best in full sun but will tolerate very light shade. Choose a fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Work in plenty of compost or aged manure before planting. Avoid areas where beans or other legumes grew last year to help prevent disease problems.

How to Plant. Sow seed one inch deep in rows spaced eighteen to twenty-four inches apart. Place seeds two to three inches apart in the row. Thin seedlings when they are about three inches tall, leaving one plant every four to six inches. This spacing allows for good airflow and easy picking. Seeds typically germinate in six to fourteen days, depending on soil warmth.

Care. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod development. Aim for about one inch of water per week, applied at the base of the plants to keep foliage dry and reduce disease. Mulch two to three inches deep with straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep pods clean.

Blue Lake Bush 274 fixes its own nitrogen with the help of soil bacteria, so fertilizer needs are low. A compost-rich soil is usually all that is required. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which will promote leaf growth at the expense of beans.

Pests and Diseases. Blue Lake Bush 274 has resistance to Common Bean Mosaic Virus (BCMV) and tolerance to New York 15 (NY15), giving it strong natural protection. Watch for common garden pests such as aphids, slugs, and bean beetles. Use row covers early in the season, encourage beneficial insects, and keep the garden free of weeds and debris to reduce problems. Avoid overhead watering and handling wet plants to prevent rust and other fungal diseases.

Harvest. Begin harvesting pods fifty-four to sixty-one days from planting, when they are crisp, tender, and about five to six inches long. Hold the stem with one hand and gently pick with the other to avoid breaking branches. Harvest every other day to keep plants producing at their peak. Because Blue Lake Bush 274 sets its crop in a concentrated flush, it is excellent for preserving by canning or freezing. For a continuous supply, plan successive plantings.

Storage and Use. Fresh beans are best enjoyed the day they are picked. They will store for up to a week in the refrigerator, unwashed, in a breathable bag or container. For long-term storage, blanch pods briefly in boiling water, cool quickly in ice water, drain, and freeze in airtight containers. Their firm texture and rich flavor also make them ideal for canning. Blue Lake Bush 274 is versatile in the kitchen—steam, sauté, stir-fry, roast, or add to soups, stews, and casseroles.

Seed Saving. Blue Lake Bush 274 is an open-pollinated variety, so it can be saved from year to year. To save seed, allow pods to remain on the plant until they are fully mature, dry, and tan in color. The beans inside should rattle when shaken. Harvest the dry pods, bring them indoors, and spread them in a single layer in a warm, well-ventilated place for an additional two weeks to finish drying. Once dry, shell the beans and store them in seed saving envelopes in a airtight container.

For best long-term storage, keep the seeds cool and dry, ideally at thirty-two to forty-one degrees Fahrenheit, such as in a refrigerator. Adding a small packet of silica gel or powdered milk wrapped in cloth will help absorb excess moisture. Clearly label containers with variety name and harvest year. When saving seed, select pods from the healthiest, most productive plants, as these will pass on the strongest traits to the next generation.

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